VINYL RECORD GRADING: A GUIDE (The VRGD System)

The Vinyl Record Gold Dust 2011TM Grading System: A Guide To The Strict Grading of Vinyl Records.

THE NEW, STRICT, VRGDTM VINYL RECORD GRADING SYSTEM: A Complete, Simple Overall Grading System For International Collectors and Sellers of Rare and Collectable Vinyl Records.

Whether you are prospecting for an investment or trade, selling, or if you are a collector looking for a sought after item for your collection, this is a strict and comprehensive yet simple guide to an ‘honest’ grading system.

TRASH-ED - The record is broken and unplayable – it is too valuable in some way to throw away - there are elements missing – it is musty – warped – heavily scuffed – has deep scratches – the label is torn, frail or perishing or the sound is very, very worn, etc. (A STRICT GRADE – NO PLUS OR MINUS)

ACCEPTABLE - The record is obviously second hand and used, it will play all the way through with a good stylus and a versatile tone arm, but would only be viable for a very keen fan. The record will still have value and it is worth having, if it is for the content or rarity of the record. There may be some, or substantial, fairly obvious, or, intermittent sound detriment. The cover will be worn, so this is a deejay’s, or a keen fan’s copy. The replay will be fair to good overall, and the record plays laudably. The vinyl is reasonably presentable and clean but it has some scratches and it is marked throughout. The record has obviously been played frequently, and the vinyl may be densely marked under a bright light source with shallow scratches or frequent paper marks (light scuffing to the sheen of the vinyl), yet the record performs well. Do not use ‘A’ or ‘A+’, as this is misleading. (A STRICT GRADE – NO PLUS OR MINUS)

GOOD - Good means good, and the record plays well all the way through, the cover shows use, but it is in good condition. The record is a good example of the issue. Vinyl records in good condition are available and collectable, and make up the VRGDTM value estimates, as well as the bulk of the most sought after records in the world. Good means good internationally, if unsure, it is perhaps safer to call it an ‘Acceptable’ copy, (do not use ‘A+’, as this is misleading). The replay is good, and the record plays laudably. The vinyl is reasonably presentable and clean but it has some very minor scratches and nominal paper marks throughout. The record has obviously been played many times yet performs very well. (A STRICT GRADE – NO PLUS OR MINUS)

SUPERB – The record has been well kept and is obviously an extremely good and clean item suitable for a serious collector, there may be nominal signs of handling or light paper marks when held under a strong light source. The replay is excellent and the vinyl is 'clean' and crisp even though it has been played a few times. There may be nominal marks on or inside the cover. (A STRICT GRADE – NO PLUS OR MINUS)

ACE – Ace means ace, and the record is in mint condition throughout, it is faultless other than the possibility that it may have been played once or twice. The vinyl, cover and replay are excellent and complete. The vinyl is 'clean' and crisp, and it has an undisturbed shiny 'sheen' as new, or it appears under close scrutiny and under a bright light source as, ‘as new’. The record may have been played once using a deluxe stylus if it is not sealed, but this is unlikely. The cover is clean and in excellent condition. The replay is ‘as new’ without doubt. (A STRICT GRADE – NO PLUS OR MINUS)

PERFECT - This is the strongest possible grading available for the highest standard of vinyl record condition, and should seldom be used unless it is true. If it doesn’t look hot off the press, or, as if it has not been shelved in a climate controlled warehouse since 1930, it doesn’t belong in this category. The record has just left the production line ready for sale, or it has been stored very well as new, and, it has not been played. The vendor guarantees its perfection to the buyer without any possible difference in opinion. (A STRICT GRADE - PERFECT)

It is best to state that you are using the new grading system - "VRGD 2011".

The Vinyl Record Gold Dust grading system, or ‘VRGD’, takes a step away from the norm and moves into the contemporary vinyl record market, where the transient availability of vinyl records that are often sought after for their rare content or artwork as opposed to their value, is constantly changing.